Tried & Tested: Tuckaway Cottage, Aldeburgh

In this ‘Tried & Tested’ blog, Abi our Marketing Manager spent a weekend in the charming Tuckaway Cottage in Aldeburgh on the Suffolk Coast.  Quirky, comfortable and welcoming in equal measures, this ideally-located cottage is literally ‘tucked away’ in a prime position just a minutes walk to the beach.  Find out how Abi spent her weekend in Aldeburgh, and her thoughts on Tuckaway Cottage in the blog below.

First Impressions

The second I opened the door to Tuckaway Cottage I felt instantly welcome.  No generic, cold, grey coastal colours here, but plenty of warmth.  From the rich nautical wooden pieces of memorabilia that adorn the hall, to the underfloor heating beneath your feet, one thing Tuckaway has in spades is personality.

Nautical Theme

No less than seven model wooden boats greet you as you walk down the entrance hall. There’s a growing collection of pebbles, shells and rocks from Aldeburgh beach, which various guests have added to over the weeks, months and years that Tuckaway Cottage has opened its doors to visitors.  Each one containing a memory or story about a visit to Aldeburgh beach which is, pretty much, on your doorstep!

Even as you approach the bespoke wooden staircase, the nautical theme continues.  With oars and rope as handrails to safely guide you to your bedroom.

Ideal for Rainy Days

Should the Suffolk weather not grace you with sunshine, the cottage is well-equipped for rainy days.  Numerous books from fiction to books on seaside interiors can be found in the hall and sitting room.  The particularly comfy chairs were just perfect to cosy up in front of the fire with a glass of something comforting.  As the ideal holiday cottage for a small family, the two-seater has the window behind it, ideal for reading.  The two armchairs provide space for siblings, and the table at the back would be ideal for board games or jigsaw puzzles.

The Local

A quick look at my watch and I realised the Rugby was on!  What better excuse did I need to head to one of Aldeburgh’s many charming pubs to enjoy the match.  I opted for The White Hart, just a matter of steps away from Tuckaway Cottage.

A welcoming and friendly pub that was pretty full, of both people…and dogs!

Dog Friendly Holiday

Now I don’t have a dog, but if I did, Tuckaway Cottage would make for a very comfortable stay.  Just steps from the beach so great for walks, and a fire to curl up in front of.  What more could your four-legged friend want?  Aldeburgh is also incredibly dog-friendly, with many pubs offering dog treats and water bowls.

Cook up a Storm!

The kitchen could not tick any more coastal chic boxes if it tried!  Chunky wooden dresser, Belfast sink, solid wood surfaces; the kitchen you dream of when you think about a cosy cottage by the sea.

I was greeted by a welcoming bottle of fizz which shows the generosity of the owners.  Each Best of Suffolk cottage welcome pack varies, allowing our owners their individuality.  With Tuckaway, you’re in for a fizzy treat!

A Night In

A quick rummage through the cupboards and not only could I easily whip up some lighter bites, there’s more than enough cooking equipment to produce a three course meal!  As it’s a holiday, I opt to make some leek and courgette turkey burgers, roasted tomatoes and salad. All washed down with a glass of the fizz kindly provided by the owners.

Getting Cosy by the Fire

After my meal, the cosy sitting room was calling me. I lit a fire and curled up with my favourite Agatha Christie. After allowing myself time to relax and indulge in a good read I headed upstairs to bed.

A Great Night’s Sleep

The calm and cosy master bedroom was warm and the king size bed looked incredibly welcoming. Cosied up in the hotel quality crisp white linens I fell effortlessly to sleep.

For families the rooms are well laid out with two further single bedrooms and a handy upstairs loo. The single bedrooms have gorgeous cabin style beds, making you feel like you could be inside a 16th century wooden ship!

A Morning in Aldeburgh

After a very comfortable night’s sleep I woke up to the sound of waves (and the odd seagull too!). There’s nothing quite like it. I woke up early and headed round the corner to the beach.  I had it pretty much to myself, apart from the odd jogger or dog walker.  Nothing quite like a bracing walk and fresh sea air first thing on a Sunday morning.

Glowing Visitors Book

In addition to recommendations for walks, places to eat and local towns or villages to visit, the visitors book is a wealth of information.

Breakfast

A continuing theme in the visitors book at Tuckaway Cottage was the legendary ‘Cinnamon Swirls’ at Two Magpies Bakery on the High Street.  So, on this recommendation I headed there for an early breakfast on Sunday morning.  The tempting window displays and queue (at 8am on a Sunday!) speak for themselves…

If I had more time, I would…

In this part of the blog, I make my own recommendations for places to eat, things to do or local walks.  So, were I have to have more time in Aldeburgh I would…

Get Fish and Chips

There is a permanent queue outside The Golden Galleon  Fish and Chip Shop in Aldeburgh.  Always a good sign!  And what could be better than eating delicious, fresh fish and chips straight from the paper on the beach?

Walk the Sailor’s Path to Snape

There is a beautiful walk called The Sailor’s Path that runs from Aldeburgh to Snape along a picturesque route.  Ending with refreshments in the Plough and Sail, and a wander around the shops and galleries at Snape Maltings, would make for a wonderful accompaniment to a stay in Aldeburgh.

The Verdict: Tuckaway Cottage

Tuckaway Cottage was cosy, warm, welcoming and could not be better located for the vibrant Aldeburgh High Street or the beach.  Whether you’re a couple looking for a break by the sea, or a family looking for a holiday to remember, Tuckaway Cottage ticks every box.

View & Book Tuckaway Cottage